Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad brings the best of both worlds: the classic, fresh Caesar salad and the crunch of perfectly crispy chicken. The chicken is seasoned, breaded, and fried to crispy perfection, making it the star of the dish. Paired with creamy Caesar dressing and crispy croutons, this salad is a true comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. It’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to complement any meal.

Ingredients

For the crispy chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 large eggs (beaten)

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

For the salad:

  • 6 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)

  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded or shaved)

  • 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken:

  1. Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets (this helps them cook evenly and become crispier).

  2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  3. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.

  4. In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

  5. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.

2. Fry the chicken:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F/175°C).

  2. Fry the chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

  3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

3. Assemble the salad:

  1. In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, making sure the leaves are evenly coated.

  2. Add the sliced crispy chicken on top of the dressed lettuce.

  3. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and add croutons for extra crunch.

4. Serve:

  1. Serve the EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and croutons if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 servings

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Grilled chicken version: For a lighter option, grill the chicken instead of frying it for a healthier twist on this crispy salad.

  • Spicy version: Add a little cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for some heat in the chicken breading.

  • Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with crispy fried tofu or a veggie burger for a meatless version.

  • Homemade croutons: Make your own croutons by tossing cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then baking at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: While the salad is best served fresh, you can store the chicken separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce and dressing should be stored in a separate container.

  • Reheating: To reheat the chicken, place it on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Reassemble the salad just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier, so they can be a great alternative to chicken breasts.

2. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, for the best texture, it’s best to serve the chicken immediately after frying to maintain the crispiness.

3. Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Yes, store-bought Caesar dressing works perfectly for this recipe, but making your own dressing can take the dish to the next level. If you’d like a homemade recipe, mix together mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese for a quick homemade version.

4. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken to make it healthier. Place the breaded chicken cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.

5. Can I add more vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even roasted vegetables to make the salad even more colorful and nutritious.

6. Can I make the croutons from scratch?

Yes, homemade croutons are easy to make. Simply cube some day-old bread, toss it with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy.

7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make the salad gluten-free, use gluten-free bread for the croutons and substitute the flour in the breading with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the Caesar dressing is also gluten-free.

8. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

To ensure extra crispy chicken, make sure to press the panko mixture into the chicken well, and be sure the oil is hot enough when frying. If the oil is too cool, the breading will absorb excess oil and become soggy.

9. Can I skip the cheese?

Yes, if you’re looking to make the salad dairy-free or simply prefer a lighter version, you can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

10. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare all the components (chicken, croutons, and dressing) ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Conclusion

EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines crispy, golden chicken with fresh greens, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion, this salad is sure to become a favorite. The extra crispy chicken adds a delicious texture that perfectly complements the classic Caesar salad elements. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this dish is a guaranteed hit for any meal!

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EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad takes the classic Caesar salad to new heights with golden, ultra-crispy chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons. This hearty, flavorful salad is perfect for lunch or dinner, delivering all the comfort of a traditional Caesar with a crispy chicken twist. Quick to prepare and customizable, this dish is perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 large eggs (beaten)

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Salad:

  • 6 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)

  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded or shaved)

  • 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken:

    • Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets (this helps them cook evenly and become crispier).

    • In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

    • In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.

    • In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

    • Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, dip it into the beaten eggs, and coat it in the panko-Parmesan mixture. Press lightly to ensure even coating.

  • Fry the Chicken:

    • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F/175°C).

    • Fry the chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

    • Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

  • Assemble the Salad:

    • In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, ensuring the leaves are evenly coated.

    • Add the sliced crispy chicken on top of the dressed lettuce.

    • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and add croutons for extra crunch.

  • Serve:

    • Serve the EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and croutons if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, grill the chicken instead of frying.Make it spicy by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading.Customize with additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers.To make it gluten-free, substitute gluten-free bread for croutons and a gluten-free flour blend for the breading.

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